Congressman pushes to rename DC Metro after Trump

In late May 2025, Representative Greg Steube, a Republican from Florida, proposed legislation known as the 'Make Autorail Great Again Act.' This bill seeks to change the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) into the 'Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access' (WMAGA) and renames the Metrorail system the 'Trump Train.' The legislation aims to leverage federal funding, which constitutes approximately $144 million of WMATA's budget for the fiscal year 2026, to drive operational and fiscal reforms. Steube's bill is a part of a broader tendency among Republican lawmakers to commemorate former President Donald Trump by proposing several measures in Congress. The focus of the legislation aligns with ongoing discussions surrounding the significance of reliable public transportation in D.C. as the city prepares for high-profile global events such as the 2027 NFL Draft and multiple FIFA Club World Cup matches. Steube emphasized that the American people expect a transit system in their nation’s capital that reflects modernity and efficient management. Meanwhile, WMATA's federal funding, approximately 6% of its total budget, is crucial to maintaining and improving service standards for its users. Despite the importance of the funding, experts consider Steube's proposal primarily symbolic, as it's unlikely to pass through Congress. Skepticism towards such legislation underscores a broader narrative about the Republican Party's ongoing efforts to display loyalty to Trump, especially following his departure from the presidency. The bill reflects a growing trend of Trump-focused legislation, including efforts to rename various public landmarks and institutions after him, which critics view as excessive and politically motivated. Historian David Greenberg highlighted that while past presidents have often been honored posthumously without such overt efforts, the recent influx of bills aimed at venerating Trump's legacy stands out as particularly excessive. The trend raises concerns about the implications of a cult of personality within Republican politics, where politicians feel pressured to align themselves with Trump's image in a bid to secure their positions within the party. Steube's proposal, although unlikely to gain traction in Congress, serves as a barometer of the current political climate and the strength of Trump's influence on the Republican base. In light of the upcoming global events slated for Washington, D.C., the push for rebranding the city's transit system illustrates an ongoing commitment by some lawmakers to prioritize political symbolism over substantive policy as they align themselves with Trump's legacy.